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Read this before you start your summer road trip

Sure, you remember the road trips back when you were a kid, when you followed along with the unwieldy road map or traced the AAA spiral-bound Triptik itinerary with a highlighter pen. These days, you can create your road trip planner online and make sure you include all the attractions and side trips and motels or campsites you want. Check out our tips on planning and packing your car for your cross-country jaunt.

We’re going to try out some of these ideas when we drive to Colorado in August. If you have other resources you’d like to share, send them our way.

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Hints for happier day hikes

Tom has just updated a thorough post to let you know what he packs for day hiking. Have your day pack ready to go when you take your road trip, and you’ll be able to hit the trails whenever you like.

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Amazing deal on select dates to Falklands, S. Georgia, and Antarctica

Choose from three departure dates and save big with this exclusive offer from Travel Past 50. This itinerary is a wildlife lover’s dream, visiting some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. Even better, South Georgia has just announced more landings are available to Polar Latitudes, given their activity specific approach and enhanced biosecurity precautions. That means these trips will offer the very best opportunities for wildlife and landscape experiences.

You can save 20 percent off the already reduced rates, simply by entering code TP50Active at the time you put your booking on hold. This offer applies to new bookings in all cabin categories on Nov 1, 2024; Dec 28, 2024; and Feb 26, 2025 departures. While supplies last, you can sign up for free discover kayaking, too.

​All the details you need are right here or contact their helpful live staff to answer your questions.

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Some Q and A from our readers

Q. One reader asks our advice on traveling from Lisbon to Barcelona in January. This Minnesotan apparently isn’t afraid of cooler temps in the Iberian Peninsula at that time, but wants to know if there’s any reason he shouldn’t travel then.

A. Our answer? NOPE, we can’t think of any reason to avoid Portugal and Spain in winter. Maybe we’ll see you there.

Q. When will Travel Past 50 announce new tours?

A. Soon….

Q. Did you know that AAA will also book your air and European tour?

A. Now we do.

Elevated Welcome offers on most airline credit cards

If you fly United Airlines and don't yet have one of their cards, now might be the time to sign up. United has enhanced welcome bonuses on all four of their co-branded cards right now.

The United offers end August 7, 2024. You may be eligible if you have not received a welcome bonus in the last 24 months for the card you're applying for.

Delta (our favorite airline) also has enhanced welcome offers on all Delta's co-branded cards. If you're ever planning to have elite status on Delta, you need one of these cards. We have this premium card, because the benefits justify the annual fee. No word yet on when these offers expire.

Finally, not to feel left out, Southwest is also upping their welcome offers. Their elevated offer expires 8 AM CST on Thursday, June 27. That's tomorrow morning

Read our story on how to pick the right travel credit card for you.

Happy travels,

Tom and Kris